(Author’s note: I am hoping, very soon, to be able to do longer stories like did a couple years ago. Biggest problem: Exhaustion after work. The job I do is mind-numbing. I come home, and I fall asleep. Doubly so on days when I exercise. So, here’s to hoping things work soon. In the meantime, here’s today’s fictioneers.)
© Yvette Prior
Heavy Fuel
by Miles H. Rost
“Dad, you’re only 51. You’re gonna die if you keep doing that.”
My cousin was berating her dad. He just finished scarfing down a triple monster cheeseburger, 2 hand pies, and a thick chocolate shake, all while lighting up an unfiltered cigarette.
He paused, and looked her straight in the eye.
“Lindsey, what do I do for a living?”
“You work at the mine.”
“And what do I mine for?”
“Vermiculite.”
“What’s another name for vermiculite?”
“Asbestos”
“And what does asbestos do?”
“Gives you lung cancer.”
“Exactly.”
He sat back, and gave her a smile.
“Enjoy every minute of this life, Sherry.”
Poor Dad – he’s been misinformed! Great take on the photo prompt, Miles.
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
He’s more resigned to his fate. Mining is all he knows. But who knows, he may last until 90…
Grim scenario, indeed.
But it’s something people need to know: There are people who, indeed, run on heavy fuel.
Good writing, Miles. Talk about being on the horns of a dilemma!
For some people. For others, it’s not the vermiculite, but an office job.
Good story. His attitude is kind of understandable. And now I know what a hand pie is – in the UK it’s called a pastie 🙂
Yep. A turnover, otherwise known as in certain fast food terminology.
Nicely written, what a sad dilemma for her dad. I hope for you extra energy to write, at least a little each day.
It’s going to take a lot of energy coming up.
Nicely done!
Thank ya!